We take 20,000 breaths a day. Yet, most of us are doing it wrong. Learning to breathe properly may just transform your life, says Rebecca Newman.
A challenge of motherhood I had not expected was postnatal depression. I’d never been depressed, and I didn’t think I ever would be. Around the birth of my baby, Luke, last spring, things were hard. On a bad day, I felt sucked underwater, struggling for air. It’s getting better now, but it has evolved into a less-stifling but persistent anxiety: if the baby gets sick then maybe I won’t do a good job on this story and then…. Throughout this time, I’ve noticed in myself a kind of breathlessness. I feel the air getting stuck at the top of my chest, as though I don’t deserve to take in more of the oxygen around me. It was, therefore, with some excitement that I started to read about the restorative power of better breathing.
It sounds simple. While resting, adults breathe about 12-20 times per minute, yet many of us might be doing it ineffectively (as researched by Lung.org). Advocates, including Lena Dunham, Karlie Kloss and a host of medical experts, believe that a minute of regular, mindful breath work can bring calm, lower blood pressure, increase mental acuity, and help improve fitness levels. Apple and Fitbit have created breathing apps to encourage regular practice. “If I had to limit advice on healthier living to one tip, it would be [learning] how to breathe correctly,” says Los Angeles-based medical specialist Dr Andrew Weil.
So, I book in to see Transformational Breath (TB) facilitator Rebecca Dennis (yes, that job actually exists). I arrive at her London studio armed with loose trousers and moderate expectations. I’ve tried meditations where the focus is breathing, but my mind wanders. And anyway, who wants to be the creepy yoga person with the ostentatiously groaning exhale?
This story is from the July 2017 edition of Elle India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 2017 edition of Elle India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
FULL THROTTLE
F2 rising star Kush Maini on his racing journey & challenges in motorsport. Ekta Sinha hitches a ride
VIJAY VARMA MAN OF THE MOMENT
Amidst the barrage of releases, Vijay Varma's dignified reticence is enveloped in thoughtful consideration, reports Ipsita Kaul
ROHIT SARAF THE GEN Z STAR
The new generation heartthrob talks about his love for romcoms, music, and future endeavours with Ekta Sinha
Roaring RAJASTHAN
From Jawai's dramatic landscape and Jaisalmer's rich heritage to Ranthambore's enthralling wilderness-Isha Mayer explores SUJÁN's luxurious, eco-conscious hospitality offerings in the beautiful state
Ectoin: The Skin's New Defence
Krishika Bhatia explores a revolutionary skincare breakthrough that merges nature and science, featuring insights from industry experts
Nigella's WORLD
The British celebrity chef shares the secret recipe to her effortless charm in the kitchen with Isha Mayer
ADRIATIC DRIFT
Stari Grad is Croatia's hidden gem waiting to be explored, finds Isha Mayer
Unapologetically MOSTLY SANE
The multi-hyphenate artist fills Maahi Shah in on the fun things she's working on, what meeting Michelle Obama was like, & how she stays grounded
SANYA MALHOTRA POWERHOUSE OF VERSATILITY
The actor lets Maahi Shah in on her female-forward acting choices, growing through the tribulations of the imposter syndrome and the big little things that make her proud to be a woman
H&M GOES BRAT
Popstar Charli XCX's celebration of the fashion brand's Autumn/ Winter 2024 campaign offered a window to its refreshed trajectory, reports Haiqa Siddiqui